Protecting Fertility Rights: Urgent Legislation Addressing Deepening Concerns Over Alabama Supreme Court Ruling
Washington D.C.- In response to the recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling, Rep. Nancy Mace, introduced a House Resolution to address the urgent need to safeguard continued access to fertility care and assisted reproductive technology. The resolution has 5 cosponsors: Rep. Schweikert (AZ-01), Rep. D’Esposito (NY-04), Rep. Van Drew (NJ-02), Rep. Kiggans (VA-02), and Rep. Bacon (NE-02).
“This House Resolution stands as a beacon of support for individuals and couples navigating the challenges of infertility,” says Rep, Nancy Mace. “As legislators grapple with the possibly far-reaching impact of the Alabama Supreme Court's ruling, this resolution emphasizes the importance of securing continued access to fertility care and assisted reproductive technology for all.”
“My wife and I struggled for years to have children. Today, we are blessed to have two beautiful children. IVF is a valuable and important tool for many Arizona families and families across the country. I’m proud to cosponsor this resolution supporting continued access to IVF,” said Rep. Schweikert.
“The practice of IVF has helped countless Americans start a family and is a treatment option Congress must safeguard, which is why I proudly co-sponsored legislation to do just that,” said Rep. D’Esposito.“Strong families make for a strong country and I will continue fighting on Capitol Hill for pro-family policies like IVF.”
“We are pro-family. We want to support wives and husbands who want to be parents to become moms and dads. IVF is often the only option, and we want to protect it.“ said Rep. Bacon.
“I am a healthcare provider and a mother,” said Rep. Kiggans. “I support access to IVF, which has been the answer for people who choose to start a family using that method. I oppose IVF restrictions that would prohibit the ability for Americans to have this opportunity for parenthood.”
"Blue states went too far in allowing extreme third-trimester abortions and a red state’s court preventing families from easily accessing life-changing fertility treatments goes too far as well," said Rep. LaLota. "We must continue to support access to fertility care and important treatments, including IVF, to support the millions of families who rely on them."
Key points highlighted in the resolution include:
1. Global Impact of Infertility: Recognizing infertility as a widespread issue affecting 48 million couples and 186 million individuals globally, the resolution sheds light on the significant psychological toll it takes on those experiencing it.
2. Role of Assisted Reproductive Technology: The resolution emphasizes the vital role of assisted reproductive technologies, such as IVF, in providing hope to millions of couples over the past 50 years.
3. Benefits and Safety of IVF: Highlighting the safety, reliability, and effectiveness of IVF, the resolution details its positive impact on enabling pregnancy and ensuring the birth of healthy children.
4. Cryogenic Freezing and Storage: Acknowledging the benefits of cryogenic freezing in reducing health risks and making infertility treatment more cost-effective, the resolution underscores its importance in the IVF process.
5. Immediate Consequences of the Supreme Court Ruling: The resolution draws attention to the immediate fallout of the Supreme Court of Alabama's ruling on February 16, 2024, leading to the suspension of IVF services by at least three medical providers in the state.
6. Call to Action: Urging elected officials at all levels of government to reject proposals jeopardizing fertility care and assisted reproductive technology, the resolution calls for proactive legislative measures to protect access to these critical services.
For media inquiries, please contact: Gabrielle.Lipsky@mail.house.gov
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